Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Preemptive Strike



Joshua got a haircut today. We did this for both he and us, since we know the day is coming when the effects of his chemotherapy will be more visible. During the next 3 years, some tough things will happen. The side effects of his treatment will include hair loss, sickness, lethargy, mood swings and most importantly, a dramatically weakened immune system.

This last one will cause the most difference in our family's life because it will change what we do every day. Joshua will no longer be able to go to school or be in childcare at the YMCA or at church. Since we go alot of places together, this is a big adjustment. Joshua has lots of friends and will miss being part of their lives.

We tried to take the bull by the horns today with the haircut - the first of many. Joshua is excited, however, to soon have a haircut "like Papaw's."

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

AWESOME ...

I've never been so glad to not see you guys as we missed you at the hospital this morning. Praying every day as you adjust to home life. We are eager and ready to help you any way we can!

Anonymous said...

It will be my honor to have a haircut like Joshua's. PaPaw

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the bottom picture that you posted. It is amazing how much Joshua is the image of his father. Same expression, same profile. Hmmmm, I think there is a sermon there. Thanks for the update!
Much love and prayers,
Gwen

Anonymous said...

What a handsome young man! Praying for all the challenges ahead. Aunt Kim

Anonymous said...

You're in my prayers and so many others. Keep celebrating the simple victories. Thanks for keeping us all updated so we know how to pray for you.

Danielle Sullivan

Anonymous said...

I did the same thing, I had my hari cut off right before chemo started, and it really helped in all honesty. It was still really hard when it fell out, but I at least felt like I had a little control by cutting it first myself. Plus, mine was so long that I was able to donate it to Locks of Love, so that was good! Praying for tomorrow! Rashel :)

Anonymous said...

love the haircut - praying like everyone else - 5%. Thanks for the updates.
callie priest

Vitamin Z said...

I say, the less hair the better. Low maintenance.

Michael, BTW - tell Jana that we LOVE the Sweet Tomato restaurant down here. It kills Fazolis.

Didn't know if you had seen our kids blog... If you want to check them out I have been doing a blog for them for about 5 or 6 months...

www.nielsenkids.blogspot.com

Mary Alice said...

What a blessing it was to see sweet Joshua tonight and his wonderful new haircut!

We will continue to pray fervently for good news on Friday. In the meantime, I hope Thomas provides lots of smiles!

We love you guys much

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you and your family and especially for little Joshua. I love Joshua's new haircut! He is so precious!
I cannot imagine what your family is going through, being pregnant right now myself. But I know God will take care of you and your family. God bless and I will continue to pray.

Tiffany Bonner Hooker
(Heather Bonner Ladd's sister from Clovis)

It's a Mom Thing said...

Such handsome fellas! We'll continue to pray for the requests you mention on this blog...like adjusting to being at home more, hair loss, fatigue, etc. You amaze us with your steadfast faith! And in your grief we are not only grieving with you but also learning how to trust God more through your examples.

Christy said...

I am praying for your family. I work at the YMCA and have played with your sweet boy before. We're also friends with the Duncans and first heard about your sad news through them. I hope the test on friday are an answer to prayer and you get that magic #5. God bless you all as you go through this journey.

Anonymous said...

I am praying for a good report tomorrow and for your challenges in the days ahead.--Donna DeRight

Anonymous said...

Michael, Jana and Joshua,
These pics are the first time since his birth announcement that we have seen Joshua. He is such a little Michael! Just wanted you to know that since Amy Wright told us the news we have been praying for you 3 and one on the way. May peace, rest and 5% blessings come your way!
Love,
Kyle, Tamra, Kailee and Lanie Goldsmith

Anonymous said...

I am praying for 5% tomorrow. I love you guys. Amy Wright

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Kelley,
You and your family have been in our thoughts many times daily. You are missed at school but the children understand you are where you need to be. We hope you get the good news you are looking for tomorrow! Please take care of yourself and we hope to see you soon.
Sincerely
Jodi White (Emily's Mom)

Anonymous said...

You guys clean up pretty good!! I'm sure you already know since ya'll are our clebrities around here- but I'm sure you will start a trend with our guys. Praying for tomorrow! - love, Amy

Anonymous said...

I hope it is ok, I put you guys - especially Joshua - on our church's prayer chain. I will continue to check here for updates. We printed a pic of Joshua and put it on our fridge to remind us to pray for Joshua - our boys (Caleb age 3 and Isaac age 2)will be offering up their child-like prayers for you all - a little child-like faith never hurts anything! although we have been seperated by distance and years - please know that I think of y'all often.
Love,
Salem and Nolan Silvey (and the boys)

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and are praying for you all.
Gerry & Barbara

Nicole said...

Hey Friends - Know that I am keeping up with Joshua's journey. I pray that your souls will find rest in Him alone. Psalm 62. Love you guys! -Nicole Merrell

Anonymous said...

Dear Jana,Michael & Joshua
You are surrounded by bunches of love. I am praying for you. I hope the test on Friday goes well.

Love Macy Wright

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates.... What a handsome little man!!! Praying for 5% or better tomorrow!!!!

Diane

Anonymous said...

Michael and Jana,
This is the first time I have ever seen pics of Joshua!! Quite a growth spurt from the womb. ;) He is so beautiful. We love you and we are praying for you guys daily.
Courtney Clark and Michael Cleveland

Anonymous said...

We all knew you'd do the hair thing right along with joshua! And, you are right....right along with Gary!!!! It thrills him to be such an inspiration! teehee
I am praying for tomorrow's reports and results.
Janna

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your hearts and your story with the rest of us. We are praying.
Love,
Herman, Brandi, Bethany and Andrew